Eleven killed in Istanbul bomb blast

Eleven killed in Istanbul bomb blast

Eleven people, including seven police officers, were killed while 36 others were injured in an attack targeting a police vehicle in Istanbul’s Vezneciler neighbourhood at around 8.35 am, today. A bomb-laden car was detonated as the police bus was passing near a police station, according to Istanbul Governor Vasip Şahin.

Ambulances and bomb disposal teams were sent to the scene, while security measures were increased in the area.

Gunshots were heard after the explosion, according to Anadolu Agency.

Shops close to the scene of the explosion were damaged, while police began to evacuate nearby buildings.

The police bus was heading to the Istanbul University for regular duty, according to reports. Exams scheduled for today at the university were cancelled.

Meanwhile, a controlled explosion is due to take place on a suspicious vehicle at the scene of the attack.